Atheism has a very simple definition: "disbelief or the lack of belief in god or gods". This definition is a little broader than the one most people would arrive at if asked, as it encompasses those who think it is likely there is no god, but wouldn't claim to be able to prove it. Despite this broader definition the word is actually still very limited, and doesn't say a lot about the person being described.

Atheism is an unfortunate word to have front and centre in our name, firstly because as said previously it's not actually very informative, and secondly because of the unfortunate and undeserved things the word is often used to insinuate, despite the simplicity of its true meaning. However, there is no denying it's a word people immediately recognise, and it tends to be the one thing our members generally agree upon, so an atheist society we remain. 

Secularism is a political position which advocates the separation of political and religious power. Secularists believe the best way to build a society which is inclusive of everyone regardless of their beliefs is to ensure that no religious group is given a role in a country's government or legal system. Proportional representation of religion in government is not good enough for a secularist, as it inevitably leads to the marginalisation of minority groups. Lobbying by independent groups or private individuals is obviously crucial to the political process, but secularists would agree that ultimately, all decisions should be based upon evidence, rational thought and free and open debate.

This does not mean marginalising religious organisations, but taking away some of the privileges which have historically been given to one religious group over those of other religions or none, e.g. the Church of England is the official state religion of the United Kingdom and the House of Lords currently has seats for 26 unelected CofE bishops but no official representation for other faith groups.

Humanism is a philosophy which promotes living an ethical life based on reason and humanity with no religious basis. Humanists believe that this life is the only life we have to live, that empathy and reason are capable of guiding moral decisions free from religious rules, and that the scientific method is the best way to discover and understand the world. Many public figures identify as humanists, such as Stephen Fry, Polly Toynbee, Jim Al-Khalili, Philip Pullman, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Terry Pratchett and of course Richard Dawkins. To find out more about humanism have a browse through the British Humanist Association's website.

In short no, the society accepts a wide range of beliefs and ideas, after all debate and discussion is a big part of what we do and the more points of view we can bring in the better! In a recent poll our members decribed themselves as atheists, agnostics, humanists, secularists, freethinkers, rationalists, pastafarians, antitheists, heretics, deists, adeists, ex-catholics, old Earth evolutionists, ignostics, apostates, discordianists, science evangelists and jedi knights. 

We also really enjoy meeting people with totally different view points to our own and think being able to discuss important issues in a safe space is crucial to encourage understanding and reduce conflict between different groups. So, no matter what you think or believe, come along!

Membership for the 2016-2017 academic year is only £1. You can sign up on the DSU website or at the Fresher's Fair, at which we will be giving away free badges with membership! Most of our events are free to attend and you can just turn up, however we appreciate as many people joining as possible as it is only through our membership fees that we are able to continue putting on any events at all!

Please check out our events page for all the details of our upcoming events! We usually have one event per week during term time and usually stick to the same night each week, although we may change around this year so more people can attend!